General Background

The TBF/M "Avenger" was the biggest single engine aircraft during the WWII. She was ordered into production in Dec 1940 with first delivery just in time for the Battle of Midway. The "Avenger" was characterized by its rigid and strong body and its versatilities. She started out as a torpedo bomber but it soon took the duties as a close-support bomber, a patrol aircraft and even a trainer. After the war the Avenger was also used as crop dusters and forest fire water bombers.

The Aircraft

VT-17; the “Fist of the Fleet” was formed on January 1, 1943 and joined the USS Hornet in February 1945. On April 7, 1945 four torpedoes from VT-17 TBM’s were the first to strike the giant battleship Yamato. They also sank one of the escorting destroyers; the engagement resulted in the loss of 2 TBM’s. The first wave of attacks began at 12:37 and the massive explosion that shattered Yamato occurred at 14:23. Of the Yamato’s 2,332 crew members 2,055 were lost.